How To Become a Company Secretary (CS) in India 

Becoming a Company Secretary (CS) in India is a promising career path that offers many opportunities for growth and success. A CS is a professional who acts as a mediator between the company and its stakeholders, and helps ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In this article, we will discuss the steps to become a CS in India.

Step 1: Pursue a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a CS is to complete a Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university. However, a degree in commerce, law, or management can be advantageous. During your undergraduate studies, try to gain knowledge of company law, accounting, and taxation.

Step 2: Enroll in CS Foundation Programme

After completing your Bachelor's degree, you can enroll in the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) Foundation Programme. This program comprises four papers - Business Environment and Law, Business Management, Ethics and Entrepreneurship, Business Economics, and Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing.

Step 3: Clear CS Executive Programme

After passing the CS Foundation Programme, you can enroll in the CS Executive Programme. This program comprises of two modules with eight papers in total. The first module includes Company Law, Cost and Management Accounting, Tax Laws, and Economic and Commercial Laws. The second module includes Securities Laws and Capital Markets, Company Accounts and Auditing Practices, Industrial, Labour and General Laws, and Financial and Strategic Management.

Step 4: Complete CS Professional Programme

Once you have cleared the CS Executive Programme, you can enroll in the CS Professional Programme. This program includes three modules with nine papers in total. The first module covers Advanced Company Law and Practice, Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management, and Due Diligence. The second module covers Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency, Information Technology and Systems Audit, and Financial, Treasury and Forex Management. The third module covers Ethics, Governance and Sustainability, Drafting, Appearances and Pleadings, and Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances and Remedies.

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

After completing the CS Professional Programme, you will need to gain practical experience through a one-year internship with a practicing company secretary or a company. During the internship, you will gain practical knowledge and exposure to the industry, and you can also choose to specialize in a particular area of company secretarial work.

Step 6: Obtain Membership of ICSI

After completing the internship, you can apply for membership of ICSI and become a professional Company Secretary.

In conclusion, becoming a Company Secretary in India requires a combination of education, practical experience, and dedication. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest legal and regulatory developments in the field to ensure compliance with the law and to maintain a successful career in the industry.

FAQ

What is a Company Secretary?

=>A Company Secretary is a professional who is responsible for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and acts as a mediator between the company and its stakeholders.

What is the eligibility criteria to become a Company Secretary? 

=>To become a Company Secretary, one must complete a Bachelor's degree in any stream and enroll in the CS Foundation Programme.

What is the duration of the CS course? 

=>The duration of the CS course is three years.

What is the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)? 

=>The ICSI is the professional body that conducts the CS course and regulates the profession of Company Secretaries in India.

What is the CS Foundation Programme? 

=>The CS Foundation Programme is the first level of the CS course, which comprises of four papers.

What is the CS Executive Programme? 

=>The CS Executive Programme is the second level of the CS course, which comprises of two modules with eight papers in total.

What is the CS Professional Programme? 

=>The CS Professional Programme is the third level of the CS course, which comprises of three modules with nine papers in total.

What is the minimum passing percentage for each level of the CS course? 

=>The minimum passing percentage for each level of the CS course is 40%.

What is the duration of the CS Foundation Programme exam? 

=>The duration of the CS Foundation Programme exam is two hours.

What is the duration of the CS Executive Programme exam? 

=>The duration of each paper in the CS Executive Programme exam is three hours.

What is the duration of the CS Professional Programme exam? 

=>The duration of each paper in the CS Professional Programme exam is three hours.

What is the mode of examination for the CS course? 

=>The mode of examination for the CS course is online.

Is there negative marking in the CS exam?

=> No, there is no negative marking in the CS exam.

Can a student enroll for the CS course after completing 12th standard? 

=>Yes, a student can enroll for the CS course after completing 12th standard.

What is the minimum age requirement to enroll for the CS course? 

=>There is no minimum age requirement to enroll for the CS course.

Is there any relaxation in the eligibility criteria for reserved category candidates? 

=>Yes, there is relaxation in the eligibility criteria for reserved category candidates.

Can a non-Indian citizen enroll for the CS course? 

=>Yes, a non-Indian citizen can enroll for the CS course.

What is the fee structure for the CS course? 

=>The fee structure for the CS course varies depending on the level of the course and the category of the candidate.

What is the procedure to enroll for the CS course? 

=>The procedure to enroll for the CS course involves online registration, payment of fees, and submission of documents.

Can a candidate enroll for all levels of the CS course at once? 

=>No, a candidate must complete each level of the CS course before enrolling for the next level.

What is the duration of the internship for Company Secretary? 

=>The duration of the internship for Company Secretary is one year.

What is the role of a Company Secretary during an internship? 

=>The role of a Company Secretary during an internship is to gain practical knowledge and exposure to the industry.

What is the procedure to obtain membership of ICSI? 

=>The procedure to obtain membership of ICSI involves submitting the application form, paying the membership fee, and fulfilling other eligibility criteria.

What are the career options after becoming a Company Secretary?

=> The career options after becoming a Company Secretary include working in a company, practicing as an independent professional, or pursuing further education.

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